FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University men's golf team will begin its spring season this week at the Lonnie Barton Invitational. The Stags will play 36 holes at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Fairfield is the preseason favorite in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference following a third place finish at last spring's championship. At the Lonnie Barton Invitational in 2015, the Stags placed fifth of 11 teams. Among 2016 returners, Eric Austin carded the low score of Fairfield with a ninth-place 154 (77-77).

The Stags' fall slate was highlighted by their first-ever ECAC Championship, which they won by a single stroke over Bryant. Fairfield was led on the course by freshman Kevin Duncan – the individual ECAC Champion who was tabbed as MAAC Golfer of the Month in both September and October. Eric Austin was one shot back of Duncan's pace at the ECAC Championship to join him on the All-Championship Team.